Davis High School’s D’Ettes captured two prizes at the state 6A drill competition on Feb. 5 at Utah Valley University. They were given the 6A’s sportsmanship team award, and placed third overall.

“Our theme for this year was ‘RISE,’” said head coach Kira Mortensen. “It had many meanings to us, but one of our goals was to place higher at the state championships this year than we did last. Last year, we placed fifth overall, and we jumped up two spots this year. We are thrilled with our placement.”

Senior Mia Montgomery won the individual drill down competition with junior Aspen Ahlquist taking third among the 300-plus athletes vying for the title.

The D’Ettes began the competition season winning the sweepstakes championship for first overall – and highest scoring routine with their show routine at the Excalibur Classic in December.

“We started strong and then hit a bump in the road when covid hit our team pretty hard and we had to drop out of one of our competitions,” Mortensen said. “Instead of seeing this as a setback, it inspired our team to work harder.”

Also on the D’Ettes squad, who finished second in Region 1, are seniors Kyra Anderson, McKelle Crockett, Breanna Delahunty, Halle Emery, Ella Gatherum, Olivia Giles, Carly Henderson, Kenzly Johnson, Ella Murphy , Audrey Owens, Kambree Stephenson and Ellie Wilding; juniors Abby Graham, Liv Hendrix, Jaci Jacobsen, Leah Karras, Sage Matthew, Preslee Scott, Kennadi Smith and Libby Wells; sophomores Zoe Bingham, Halle Britton, Emma Gardner, Cali Halliday, Prezley Hunt, Kambrie Mustain, Aubrey Rowe and Kaybree Starnes and freshmen Jade Bangerter, Breana Barnes, Beya Chatelain, Ava Edwards, Addie Ehlers, Zoey Larsen, Ella Neville and Lani Vagai’a.

Mortensen was assisted this year by Alisha Peters, Celesta Stephenson, Bayleigh Loveless and Cierra Peters.

“What an incredible season we have had,” said head coach Kira Mortensen. “This team has worked so hard, putting in 20 hours per week since June. It was a great year for the D’Ettes!” λ